LUKE Donald's bid to become Europe's first US Open champion in 35 years ended when he tumbled down the field with a final round 80.

The former Beaconsfield and Hazlemere golfer had been in contention at Pinehurst after a first round 69 left him just three strokes off the lead.

And the 27-year-old, who was playing alongside Tiger Woods, was still in the hunt after adding a 73 on Friday.

But the wheels came off over the weekend as he dropped 14 shots to par and slipped down into a tie for 49th place.

Despite banking $15,223 for the week, Donald fell out of the top ten on the US Money list.

His next opportunity to win a major championship is at The Open Championship at St Andrews in four weeks' time when he will be trying to make the cut in the event for the first time.